New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, but that also means that it’s not always the easiest country to visit when you have limited time because of its unspoiled, vast nature. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to choose the right locations. That said, if you only have a few days to explore this marvelous country off the southeast coast of Australia, you need to pick certain spots as potential backup plans. These should be places where you can go in case your primary locations are too crowded or inaccessible for some reason. With that being said, here are 5 great places to visit on the North Island in New Zealand.
Auckland
The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, is a bustling metropolis with plenty of things to do and see. The biggest city in the country and the fifth-largest in Oceania. Auckland is a breathtaking city with majestic mountains, sweeping beaches, and scenic harbours. There is plenty to do for everyone. You can find out more about what to do in Auckland here.
Hobbiton Movie Set
There’s nothing quite like the Shire, and to see it for yourself you have to visit Hobbiton. This is where parts of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit series were filmed, so it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the North Island. In the Hobbiton Movie Set, you can explore the real Middle-earth as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The guided tour starts with a drive through our beautiful 1,250-acre sheep farm with stunning views of the Kaimai Ranges.
After the bus drive, you reach the Shire, and you get to see the Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. It is a must-see for any fan of the Lord of the Rings. You can explore hobbit holes and admire the little details, visit the Green Dragon Inn and have a drink, and see the mill and the Party Tree. You will also hear spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Tours depart daily from the Shire’s Rest Cafe – 501 Buckland Road Matamata.
Rotorua
This is a small town located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, the city takes its name from the lake. Rotorua is a renowned tourist destination, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Rotorua is a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists; the tourism industry is by far the largest industry in the district. It is known for its geothermal activity and features geysers and hot mud pools. This thermal activity is something that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
There are hot springs all over, and you can see them from nearly anywhere in Rotorua. It also has great outdoor activities like bungee jumping, horse riding, and white water rafting that emphasize the natural landscapes. So if you’re looking for something relaxing while still fulfilling your adventure needs, this might be just what you’re looking for.
Tongariro National Park & Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the most popular attractions in New Zealand is Tongariro National Park. It is located in the central North Island and was created in 1887 when the government establish a protected area. It was the sixth national park ever established in the world. Today, Tongariro National Park covers over 786 square kilometers of land and includes the volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. The park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mixed natural and cultural values.
One of the most popular hikes in New Zealand is the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The crossing traverses the volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mount Tongariro, passing the eastern base of Mount Ngauruhoe. The full distance of the trail is typically 19.4 kilometers, so it makes for a fantastic day-out activity. If you are walking steadily and in good weather, the crossing will take about seven hours to complete.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is a perfect place to start or maybe end your trip. Although it has a large city center and city vibe, it’s also loaded with great outdoor activities. Wellington is also home to some of the unique museums in New Zealand. The Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery are just two examples that showcase both traditional and modern art. There’s also plenty of shopping in Wellington, including an abundance of restaurants and cafes.
